Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Discusses The Sizable Impact He Sees From New Addition

The Pittsburgh Steelers should have one of the best defenses in the entire league during the 2025 season, but the success of the unit is going to rely on the secondary. Joey Porter Jr. taking a step forward in his third year will be crucial, so will a bounce back year from Minkah Fitzpatrick. The play of new addition Darius Slay is also something to keep an eye on, as this will mark the third season in a row that the Steelers have tried to sure up the cornerback position by signing a veteran who is nearing retirement. It didn't work out super well with Patrick Peterson and Donte Jackson, but the experience with Slay could be different.

Slay is coming off of a very successful season where he played a pivotal role for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. He was a starting cornerback for Philadelphia, but he also played a key part in mentoring Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who were two of the best rookie defenders in 2024. The hope is that Slay is able to become a good mentor for Porter and the rest of the young members of the secondary in Pittsburgh, and Porter spoke to the media on Thursday about how the veteran has been as a mentor thus far.

"I told him when he got here, I'm always going to be in his ear," Porter said. "It's just a little simple conversation we have with just certain plays that I see, or ask him if he's seen it different, or what would you do in these different types of situations. I'm always gonna ask him to be in his ear about that and he's a great guy, 'cause he's always gonna give me knowledge on the game and that's what he really wants to do. So it's been great."

As soon as Slay signed in Pittsburgh he was vocal about how he wanted to serve as a mentor and help out younger guys like Porter. Porter has shown great potential throughout the first two seasons of his career, but he has struggled at times with penalties. Slay can hopefully help him refine his skills and take that next step.

Porter has shown that he can be one of the great lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL, but he will need to continue to show growth. He is often too physical with wide receivers, which forces the referees to throw a flag. Slay can hopefully pass on some knowledge, or some tricks within his technique that could help Porter avoid these flags moving forward.

Porter isn't the only young player in the secondary that could pick up a thing or two from Slay. Beanie Bishop Jr. could also learn from the veteran, as could Cory Trice Jr. and rookie Donte Kent. 

Steelers Expecting A Lot From Darius Slay In 2025

Slay made the Pro Bowl in three of the last four seasons, and he is still playing at a very high level, despite his age. Last season was his first year without an interception since his rookie season, although he still managed to break up 13 passes in just 14 games. He was a key factor on one of the best defenses in the league, and his veteran leadership went a long way in a young secondary.

Since the start of the 2020 season, which is when Slay joined the Eagles, he has recorded nine interceptions and four touchdowns. He should be able to make a positive impact in Pittsburgh, especially while playing behind some of the best pass rushers in the NFL. The rush will force opposing quarterbacks to make quick decisions, which could force some mistakes. If the veteran can stay healthy for Pittsburgh, he will be looked at as a great addition.

What do you think about Porter's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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